(incumbent councilman harry) Silver also referenced the "infamous deal" about a year ago when two other council members blocked a move in committee to buy some of Alexandria's winter natural gas at around $7 per million British thermal units. Two hurricanes later, gas soared to $16 and more.

District 2 Councilman Everett Hobbs was one of two councilmen who blocked the deal, and was on the defense after charges by challenger and lawyer Darrell Hickman.

On crime, Roy said there's plenty of money to return community police to neighborhoods if the council would curb its awarding of professional services contracts that don't benefit taxpayers. "Look at the lucrative consulting agreements" the council has awarded, Roy said. "There is where a whole bunch of money can be found."

The Neighborhood Leaders Network will conduct a political forum for Alexandria mayoral and council candidates at 5 p.m. today in City Hall.

Candidates for Alexandria mayor and three City Council seats will hear presentations by various neighborhood leaders, and then candidates will respond, said Bettye Jones, with Cenla Pride.see Political forum for Alexandria candidates set for 5 p.m. today in City Hall for more.

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via jambalaya - neighborhood leaders forum - mayoral and city council candidates forum tonight at 5:00 pm city council chambers. the forum is an opportunity for the candidates to meet with alexandria's "neighborhood leaders." everyone will get the opportunity to ask questions. it will start with a brief statement(s) from a neighborhood leader and each candidate will have the opportunity to respond.fone: 318. 613-1298 for more information. more later...